self care

If you’re caring for an elderly parent, it’s likely you’ll be exhausted by the physical and mental energy needed by your aging loved one. Take time to rest, or you may suffer from compassion fatigue, also known as caregiver burnout. Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue Excessive blaming Bottled up emotion Complaining Substance abuse Difficulty concentrating Poor…

On Labor Day, I left my doctor’s office and hopped in my car to drive home. My cell phone rang, and I saw it was my mom calling. I answered with my usual cheery, “Hello-o.” Mom’s hitched breathing came through the phone. “What’s wrong?” I demanded, as adrenaline surged from my overworked adrenal gland. “I…

Support the caregiver in your life. Does the caregiver you know need a mental break? Support them as they support the one they are caring for. See our caregiver resources page here. “The greatest discovery of the 20th Century is that our attitude of mind determines our quality of life, not circumstances.” — William James,…

June is Alzheimers & Brain Awareness month. Whether you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or just getting diagnosed, the Alzheimer’s Association website has a lot of resources to help. Use their Alzheimer’s Navigator to help you map out your future or plan the future with your loved one. You can also check out our…

“What happens to a person is less significant than what happens within him.” Louis L. Mann This Caregiving Moment sponsored by agingcare.com Caregiving has a particularly nasty habit of plucking a person out of their normal life, and tossing them into a realm of unfamiliar, frenzied chaos. Read more here at agingcare.com. Follow our stories…

I recently returned from a long weekend, across the southern California to Rosarito Beach, Mexico. It was a much-needed trip away from the day to day routine of working and caregiving. I spent a lot of time thinking, while staring at the endless waves crashing onto the shore. My thoughts turned to you, caregivers who…

National Caregivers Day is observed annually on the third Friday in February. Honor those selfless and caring people who pour our their lives for our loved ones. How you can show your appreciation: Give them a gift card for a personal treat, a massage, manicure, or movie tickets Buy a card, expressing your thanks for…